Diagnosis: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM). For complete description of case, please visit http://www.radsWiki.net (Credit)
Findings on Imaging:
- Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), show a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain, consistent with a cerebral AVM.
- The AVM may be characterized by enlarged feeding arteries, early draining veins, and a nidus, or central tangle of vessels.
- The AVM may also be associated with aneurysms, hemorrhage, or edema.
Next Steps in Management:
- Treatment of cerebral AVMs depends on the size, location, and risk of hemorrhage, as well as the patient’s overall health and age.
- Treatment options may include observation, surgery, embolization, or radiation therapy, depending on the size and location of the AVM.
- In cases where the AVM has bled, treatment may be more urgent and may require a combination of interventions.
Key Take Away Points:
- Cerebral AVMs are a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain that can cause headaches, seizures, or hemorrhage.
- Imaging studies such as CT or MRI can help diagnose cerebral AVMs, which may be characterized by enlarged feeding arteries, early draining veins, and a nidus.
- Treatment options for cerebral AVMs depend on the size, location, and risk of hemorrhage, and may include observation, surgery, embolization, or radiation therapy.
Case submitted by Dr. Saeed Rad MD
